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James Walter Davenport, Sr. was born on July 2, 1938, in LaFollette, Tennessee, to the late Sadie Young and George Davenport. James departed this life on September 23, 2024. His loving and devoted wife of over 65 years preceded him in death on September 5, 2024.
James leaves to mourn his passing a daughter and a son: Cammie Davenport Woodle and James Walter Davenport, Jr.; three granddaughters: Stephanie J. Woodle, Kyonna J. Davenport, and Sydney D. Woodle. He also leaves behind a great-grandson, Jayceon Green – for whom he absolutely adored. He leaves a host of other very close family, friends, and Rogers Memorial Baptist Church Family. He loved his church family and participated in several of their Auxiliaries and Committees over the years.
James – affectionately known as Jimmy by his closest family and friends attended Knoxville College and The University of Tennessee – both in Knoxville, TN. James had a long and notable career working as a Foreman at ALCOA Aluminum in Alcoa, TN – located just outside of Knoxville city-limits.
Jimmy took immense pride in watching his family and those around him succeed and pursue activities that were important to them. He was the definition of a leader and loved watching others pursue their dreams. He was an active husband and father in the local chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and took great pride in being a Honey Do – an honor bestowed on the husband an Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. member. He would cheerfully take on tasks for various projects just by her saying, “Honey, do this or that”.
In addition to being a devoted family man, he was an avid golfer and an active member of the Green Turf Golf Association. He was championship golfer who won numerous trophies over the years, he was known for his love of the game and his frequent visits to local courses and across the country. He also was a member of the exclusive Johnny Walker Hole-in-One Club, having accumulated 9 Hole-In-Ones during his active golfing years. You could often find him enjoying a round at Whittles Springs, Pine Lakes, or The Wee Course, where his passion for golf truly shined. At The Wee Course, he took pride in leading and mentoring many young players, helping them develop their love for the sport. His presence on the greens and his dedication to the next generation of golfers will be fondly remembered.
James was involved in several service organizations, most notably Jack Rollers, that annually participated in Sickle Cell Awareness and Testing efforts. Other social endeavors included being a member of The Voyagers. The Voyagers planned wonderful annual trips for their wives and a grand itinerary was always on tap!
James enjoyed playing cards and collecting one-dollar bills numbered 1-12. If you knew him well, you knew about this and likely started doing the same thing, too. He was also known for his infamous catch-phrases and sayings – perhaps, the most memorable of all, “It’s Your Birthday!”
Family will receive friends Saturday September 28, 2024 from 10 to 11am at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church 520 College St, Knoxville, TN 37921, with funeral services to follow (Associate Pastor A.D. Baxter officiating). Entombment at Berry Highland South, 9010 E Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN 37920.
Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary
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